Pandora’s Boxing Match

An MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft equipped with the Pandora electronic warfare suite aided in attacking simulated air defenses during a demo at MCAS Yuma, Ariz., Northrop Grumman announced. The MQ-9 worked in tandem with Marine Corps EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft to carry out a “multi-node” attack capable of taking down more advanced air defense networks, stated the Jan. 22 release. “We demonstrated operational concepts using a layered approach to electronic warfare,” explained Marine Corp Assistant Deputy Aviation Commandant Brig. Gen. Matthew Glavy.”By conducting multiple events with a networked, pod-based jamming system, we were able to evaluate the viability of unmanned aerial vehicles to conduct electronic warfare missions…in support of tactical strike aircraft,” said Glavy. A Reaper flew a similar exercise last April, but the Oct. 22 trial—just announced—marked the first time it flew as part of a larger electronic strike package, the company said.